Our roving band of orc adventurers continue to enjoy their respite in the dwarves’ underground city, spending the majority of their gold on weapons, armor, and a good night’s sleep. They’ve managed to do this just in time, because the Hag has decided to drag them in for an important errand – one more dangerous than any they’ve faced before. ORCS! #5 is created, written and illustrated by Christine Larsen, with special thanks to H.E. Gregory for flats.
ORCS! started out just right, introducing the exact kind of cute, fantasy action its cover implied. You got all the bumbling, madcap adventures advertised with the bonus of a lush, intricate fantasy world to be drawn into. My only issue with it was that its team of protagonists seemed to be somewhat homogenous in terms of personality. Despite their distinctive designs, the team’s been hard to recognize as individuals, aside from perhaps Bog, the leader, and Utzu, the lady who could clearly be the leader if she wanted to. The series could have benefitted from a few individual character moments with each of Bog’s team, and in #5, we finally get that. It may be late, but now that it’s here, it’s everything I wanted.
It’s a Shopping Episode
Bog and his group, who were largely absent from the last issue, are still down in the dwarven markets. They’re spending their ill-gotten gains on weapons and armor, and as they’re figuring out their new looks, we get a little time with each of them, to see what makes them tick. Bog and his dwarven friend, Arn, have some unspecified but clearly personal history they need to talk about. Pez and Zep get a tender moment of sibling support, and Utzu and Gurh get a pretty adorable moment as a couple considering Gurh doesn’t really say anything past his own name. I feel moments like this have been sorely needed – this book has been fun, but getting to connect with the protagonists we’ve spent so much time with is what makes it gold.
We also have a moment between Utzu and Bog, the latter of whom is clearly not ready to talk about his complicated history with Arn, just yet. The pair display an easy camaraderie of long time teammates who have nothing but respect for each other. Their conversation is held against the backdrop of a gorgeous courtyard in the dwarven city. Pale but moody blues are everywhere, in the walls, the ground, the fountains and the magical blue flames that are the only source of light here. From the deep browns and reds of the orc caves, to the deep greenery of the elven forest, Larsen has given every location in her fantasy world its own distinct style of beauty, and the home of the dwarves is no exception.
And Then A Magic Fog Railroaded the Adventure
Eventually, Bog and his group decide it’s time to head out. They’re interrupted on their journey home by a group of human wardens who don’t appreciate orcs trespassing on their land, but before the two groups can come to blows, the orcs are whisked away by a magical fog to a realm unknown. Their purpose is unclear, but Bog’s able to figure out that they’ve been sent here by the magic of the Hag, as the plot that’s been simmering over the past few issues finally comes to a boil. Instead of heading into dangers unknown, though, the orcs decide to try sitting things out to see if the adventure just…goes away.
It doesn’t, of course, but their waiting around does give them a little time for another story of Drod and her adventuring companions, making up for the missing action in what has largely been a downtime issue. You can always be assured that when things have been quiet for too long, Drod’s going to go rushing in sword-first, and she does not disappoint, here. Interestingly, this story was inspired by a tendril of magical fog whispering in Bog’s ear – there’s a purpose to this story, it would seem, and I’m eager to find out just what that is next issue.
The storybook quality of this series has always made it a cozy read, but this issue was particularly so. There’s a comforting familiarity between these characters. They’re family, who’ve known each other for years, who are just as much at ease with teasing each other as they are sharing a serious moment. Christine Larsen’s cozy colors only add to how comforting it is to read about people who care for each other, and slip into supportiveness as easily as they slip into new helmets. Conveying that sense of community isn’t the easiest thing to manage, but getting it right gives a comic its heart in a way that sticks with you. I’m charmed, and grateful for this issue.
Armaan is obsessed with the way stories are told. From video games to theater, TTRPGs to comics, he has written for, and about, them all. He will not stop, actually; believe us, we've tried.
